Fears that quantity will kill quality on apprenticeships, says Leading education charity

20/09/2016

Wales’ post 16 education charity ColegauCymru / CollegesWales has today called on the First Minister Carwyn Jones AM to outline in detail how his government proposes to implement the creation of 100,000 apprenticeships across all ages in Wales, amid fears that this high figure may lead to a compromise on the quality of the apprenticeships on offer.

The First Minister has this morning discussed that backing 100,000 apprenticeships will come at a cost to other parts of the Budget in the post-Brexit climate, as he outlines his government’s “relentless” commitment to improving the economy alongside the uncertainties which Brexit may bring.

Chief Executive of ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, Iestyn Davies, said: "The Welsh Government’s commitment to 100,000 apprentices is laudable but ultimately an arbitrary figure aimed at grabbing the headlines. Wales needs the highest quality provision to serve the wider workforce and the economic interest. A clear direction is needed from Carwyn Jones' government on how it will meet the need for quality learning with a clear strategy for post compulsory education.

“With each commitment comes a need for world class education training and skills in Wales. As the charity that represents post 16 education and training, we need to be involved in the planning and delivery of a skilled Wales from the outset in order to achieve these pledges. We call on employers and the Welsh Government to engage with local FE colleges and institutions in order to work collaboratively on an apprenticeship scheme which will benefit individuals, businesses and the economy here in Wales.”